CRICKET: Biddestone fall short in derby clash

BIDDESTONE slipped to their first defeat of the season last weekend as they came unstuck at county rivals Warminster.

An unbroken partnership of 71 from the home side’s David Bateman and Rory Cullinan was enough to put Warminster in control and send the visitors on their way to a 34-run loss at Sambourne Road.

Biddestone put their opponents in to bat first after winning the toss and Naeem Khan, Chris Baker and Stuart Kingwell had some early joy with the ball as they took Warminster’s first five wickets for just 46 runs.

But Bateman (60 not out) and Cullinan (34 not out) took to the crease late on to put the wind back into the hosts’ sails and despite Khan ending with figures of 4-22, Warminster posted 194-8.

Skipper Mitchell attempted to spearhead his side’s run chase but his knock off 33 was Biddestone’s highest as they were put under the cosh by the home side’s bowling attack.

Lawrence Roots (27) and Dwaine Perry (21) were the only other batsmen to have any joy as Biddestone were skittled for 160 in the 47th over, with Warminster’s Marcus Brown taking 3-25.

Elsewhere, Chippenham suffered a five-wicket defeat at home to Chipping Sodbury.

Denson Narayan hit 57 for the hosts but Chippenham struggled with the bat as they were skittled for 149 midway through the 41st over.

Chipping Sodbury’s Bryan Jater hit an unbeaten 77 as the visitors cruised to 151-5 in just over 41 overs.

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